Australia has raised hackles in Jakarta over Canberra's response to an ABC report accusing an Indonesian counter-terrorism unit of human rights violations in West Papua. Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr has called on Jakarta to investigate the killing of a West Papuan activist Mako Tabuni. Jennifer Robinson is an Australian lawyer best known for representing Julian Assange. But for a decade she was deeply involved in providing legal assistance to West Papuan activists.

Only five per cent of Pacific politicians are women, compared with the world average of 18 per cent. To improve representation, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a $300-million, 10-year aid package at the Pacific Islands Forum.

Oil and gas revenues have injected millions into East Timor's coffers over the past few years but for its young growing population job opportunities remain scarce. The government is now encouraging workers to look overseas.